Slingshot

Developed and manufactured in Austria in 1996, the Slingshot (also known as Bungee Rocket) uses kinetic energy to catapult 2 human bodies 60 metres into the sky in seconds.

The ride consists of a 2-person capsule anchored to the ground, suspended between two lengths of bungy chord. The cords are armed with up to 40 tonnes of kinetic energy along the two 50+ metre supports on either side of the capsule via elasticity of the cord or steel cables attached to a spring box.

The capsule tilts back, and the riders find themselves in a reclined position, nervously gazing up into the sky. The operators begins to count backwards (if you’re lucky) 10…9…8…7…LAUNCH! The capsule and its two human occupants rocket into the sky, reaching a height of 57 metres (20 percent higher than the supports) in around 2 seconds, exposing riders to 5 – 6 G’s as they reach a speed of over 150 kilometres per hour. In seconds, the capsule reaches the apex of its trajectory then ‘GROUND RUSH’ as it is pulled towards earth. The cycle repeats itself again as the cords fight gravity; the capsule tipping and tumbling as it completes its 10 bounce cycle before it is locked back into the loading position (usually by an electro-magnet)

Most Bungy Rockets will have a video camera and microphone mounted inside the capsule to show on-lookers the rider’s G-force distorted faces and fearful expressions, with an option to buy a souvenir video.

Australia has a travelling Funtime Sling Shot imported from Austria, standing at an impressive 65 metres and fitting onto a single trailer.

Due to low rider capacity (2 persons), fairgoers can expect to pay around four times more than a standard carnival ride, optional purchase of a souvenir t-shirt or DVD of the ride experience too.

I saw a stationary version of this ride in Branson, MO. My husband and I were trying to decide whether or not to spend the money when one of the bungees snapped as they were getting ready to load in another couple. The car was still being held down when it happened so very little occurred other than everyone was scared.

I think physics dictates that if a bungee is going to snap, it will do so as it’s being tensioned–ie when the car is being held down with no one in it.